Getting out for some pre-hunt scouting will greatly improve your chances of success. Along the way, I saw Turkey, Mule Deer, various lizards and a Tarantula. Technically the shortest ascent to the summit is via the Garden Canyon Trail #143. Wrightson Wilderness. Follow the road east to Forest Road 481. It goes by Bear Spring, crosses several drainages and then comes to the Tunnel Springs Trailhead. Upper Sawmill Canyon, east of Madera Canyon has some good whitetail hunting. Be cautious of research personnel and do not disturb any research plots marked or otherwise. To get there from the Mount Hopkins road take I-10 to the Canoa Exit and go south on the frontage road to the Elephant Head road. To get there take Highway 83 to the Gardner Canyon turn off (four miles north of Sonoita). The fall season has an archery only hunt that generally runs from the end of August to the end of September (check current regulations for exact dates). Resources. Mt. Humphries and Harquahala Peak as my favorite hike in Arizona. Once in Patagonia you want to take First Street north. With lofty mountain peaks, forested slopes, seasonal streams, and an amazing variety of plants and wildlife, Madera Canyon has become a popular recreational destination.Madera hiking trails are applauded throughout the Southwest, and vary from paved, handicap-accessible trails and gentle walking paths in the lower canyon, to steep, expert trails leading to the top of 9,453-foot Mt. The Mt. Grizzlies may travel 20-40 miles a day. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. Also make sure you pick up your shotgun husks as well. When this road gets close to the mountains there is F.S. Game Management Unit 34A regulates hunting opportunities in Arizona and covers 441,661 acres.Check out the public land access and historical weather. Heavy use of sites during the hunts and on holidays. There's free camping outside of the National Forest as … The best ways to hunt deer on the range are to either get up on the hills on the far east side or to walk the high edges of the major river beds that cut across the Range. To get there take Highway 82 to Patagonia. The country on the west side of the Temporal drainage has good numbers of deer. AZGFD is reminding the community to stay … For those wanting a little more level hunting, try the State land southwest of Josephine Canyon and F.S. At 9,456 feet, Mount Wrightson is the tallest peak in the Santa Rita Mountains and Tucson, Arizona region. Forest Road 143 on the southwest side of the Santa Rita Mountains goes through some excellent whitetail habitat. There are lots of new houses in this area so be sure to not to hunt within ¼ mile distance of any residence. 0-18 miles away: Old Baldy - Super Trail Loop During this hunt bears are observed in the lower elevations foraging on prickly pear fruits and traveling in the creek bottoms, and along trails. Wrightson trailhead provides access to several trails, including the Super Trail and Old Baldy trail, where experienced hikers can climb to higher levels. Black-bear Drawing Stats (2019) Once there you can take the 72A road into the Mansfield canyon area or continue north on 72 to Walker Basin. Overview: GMU 34A is primarily a Mearn’s quail unit, but hunting for both Gambel’s and Scaled quail can be found in different areas of the unit. Old Baldy Trail. For further information concerning this or any other laws administered by the USFS contact the Coronado National Forest, Nogales Ranger District: 303 Old Tucson Rd. If you find an area with tracks and rooting, be patient, javelina are probably in the area. Melendrez pass is another option. In other words the Madera Canyon area to within 1/4 mile of the closure area is illegal to hunt in. Females use areas up to 100 square miles. Area: The Santa Rita Experimental Range (SRER). When you get to Forest Road 144 turn to the east and follow the road on back. Go east to the Mount Hopkins road and follow it to the Bull Springs road (approx. Mt. The Super Trail, also from the Madera Canyon trailhead, is not as steep but is far longer at 8.1 miles (13.0 km). Two bear sightings reported today in Vail, one seen here. Always take plenty of water and let someone know where you will be hunting and when to expect you home. A good way to get to the high country there is to come in on the east side of the mountains to F.S. The two men and a Mexican boy were traveling from a ranch in the Santa Ritas to Fort Buchanan, three miles west of Sonoita, when they were attacked and killed by Apache warriors. On February 17, 1865, William Wrightson and Gilbert W. Hopkins were working as surveyors for the General Land Office. Drive east past the Old Nogales Highway and take the 505 road south onto the Range (it would be helpful to obtain a U.S. Forest Service map as it shows the road numbering system in the area and the stock tanks are indicated). At 9,456 feet, Mount Wrightson is Tucson's tallest peak (Mount Ian is slightly … Wrightson may cause some people to experience altitude sickness, which typically occurs above 8,000 feet. To get more details on the closure area contact the Forest Service Nogales Ranger District: 303 Old Tucson Rd. From the West: I-19, Continental Rd, Elephant Head Rd Maybe next time I'll check out the super trail. Also be aware of any research activity that may be in progress by the University of Arizona. Also be aware that weather can change rapidly at higher elevations during this time of year, and the temperature can vary by as much as forty degrees. Springs and waters are other areas to look for bear sign. Overview: Javelina are widely distributed throughout Unit 34A. The black bear population is generally in the upper reaches of the Santa Rita Mountains, however bears are often observed at lower elevations later in the year. To get to Gardner Canyon, take State Route 83 south from I-10. night smelling food. Wrightson. Note: Hike statistics were recorded with Gaia GPSapp. (Pick up a U.S. Forest Service map. or submit a news tip, All content © 2000 - 2021, KVOA Television, Inc. All rights reserved. Remember, the thin, dry air at higher altitudes makes it easier to become dehydrated. The traditional entrance off of Highway 82 is not public access and has been posted no trespassing by the homeowner’s association. Overview: Consult current year Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations for exact season dates. In case of a sighting you can call: 623-236-7201. Wrightson definitely replaced Mt. It's only 5.4 miles away on foot, but it's way up there. The trails form a figure eight making it possible to put together a number of different loops using different portions of each. You can glass some good habitat along the way. Successful hunters find javelina by pre-scouting likely areas and by using optics to locate animals. This list includes significant mountain peaks and high points located in the United States arranged alphabetically by state, district, or territory.The highest peak or point in each state, district or territory is noted in bold. Area: There are several areas to look at for this hunt. Wrightson. Area: To get to the Santa Rita Experimental Range go south on I-19 to the Sahuarita exit. And it looks even farther than that — at 9,453 feet, Mount Wrightson, also known as Old Baldy, is the highest point in the Santa Rita Mountains. Arizona Game and Fish Dept. The views from the peak are stunning but it's not necessary to go all the way up to get great views. Also be aware of any private property and obey all postings. Another bear was sighted at a camp at Mt. Wrightson. White-tailed Deer. Even though these units are made up predominantly of public lands, private property can be encountered. 486 road are good bets to find quail. Overview: Whitetail deer are found throughout the unit. The Florida Canyon Work Center has a trailhead just before entering the work center area. mile marker 15) and head north. State Land Department (520) 628-6015. It will show you the road system in the entire unit.) Black Bear. Take the 481 road south to the trailhead parking area. Also, don’t forget to get a copy of the hunt regulations. To get to the 165 road you will need to take Highway 83 south to the Gardner canyon turnoff (forest road 92) and go west. Wildcat Campsites are available throughout the Unit. The summit offers outstanding views of southern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. It is also helpful to find a high vantage point from which to glass. Mt. During the spring bear hunt, after leaving den sites, bears are searching for areas with an abundance of tender grasses. Known for the spectacular view from its barren peak, nearly 7,000 feet above Tucson some 30 miles north. The doves are usually found in large grassy canyon bottoms. Pre-season scouting will help the hunter get familiar with the area and locate potential hunting areas where bears may be present. Other good areas to find quail are at the north end of the Santa Rita Mountains. Wrightson. Make sure you and your dog are in good shape to hunt those areas. This trailhead allows the hunter foot access to several trails on the north side of the Santa Rita’s. is warning residents in Vail and visitors to Mt. road 143. The Crest Trail’s platform is blown out of bedrock on the north side of the volcanic summit block. Be aware of any research activity that may be in progress by the University of Arizona. For a little more solitude try upper Temporal, Squaw Gulch, and the canyons around Alto on the southwest side of the Santa Ritas. This is F.S. The traditional entrance off of Highway 82 is not public access and has been posted no trespassing by the homeowner’s association. However, with its four-wheel-drive access, the Madera Canyon options are more appealing coming from Tucson. Douglas, AZ 85607 Summary: This bear population is healthy and bears are seen throughout the spring and summer. U.S. Forest Service (520) 281-2296 Hands down, one of the greatest hikes in Tucson is to the top of Mount Wrightson. Hopkins from I-19. Located about 40 miles south of the city in the lush Coronado National Forest of the Santa Rita Mountains, Mount Wrightson and lesser known neighbor Mount Ian comprise the backdrop of any pictures taken in Tucson. The first is the Gardner Canyon and Cave Canyon Areas. Water is limited in the area so it would benefit the hunter to locate them, as mule deer must use them. Try to work along trails looking for sign. Trail lies in the Mt.Wrightson Wilderness Area. TUCSON, Ariz. - Bear Springs Trail begins on a tree-lined drive looking straight up at Mt. Be cautious of research personnel and do not disturb any research plots marked or otherwise. Your second thought will be, There's no way! After about 5 miles you will see the Bull Springs road (FR 143) then head south. Males roam the most, using areas from 600-1000 square miles. Also, watch the roads for bear tracks. To find some Scaled Quail hunt close to the hills on the east side of the Range. Wrightson. As soon as one of the hikers said she came from the Abbey up the road, we couldn't help but hear "The Sound of Music" dancing in our heads as we looked up at Mt. Unit 34A has Sonoran desert, Arizona chaparral, desert grassland, pine forest, and several riparian corridors. Take Forest Road 163 to Forest Road 165 west to Melendrez pass. Late season hunting is good in some of the major canyons on the south and southeast sides of the Santa Rita Mtns. 505). To get there take I-19 to the Continental road turnoff. Javelina can be found throughout the entire range. Javelina blend in well with their surroundings and when not moving they are hard to detect. There are large areas of State land between the mountains and Sahuarita Rd. Patagonia Lake State Park (520) 287-6965 Read Guide Mount Wrightson is the highest peak in Tucson, Arizona area. Wrightson in the Santa Rita Mountains. The stamp can be purchased at any license dealer. Wrightson camp Thursday night smelling food, according to AZGFD. Primary Game Species/ Hunting Month(s) White-Tailed Deer August, October, November-January Mule Deer August, October, November-January Secondary Game Species/ Hunting Month(s) Javelina January-March Quail October-January, Average # permits in past 5 years White-Tailed Deer 4000 Mule Deer 240 Javelina 1100, Month Avg. Hiking to the peak of Mt Wrightson from the nearest lot takes 3-4 hours each way. Patagonia Lake State Park (12 miles east of Nogales), Bog Springs (Madera Canyon), Madera Canyon, and Round Up (Madera Canyon). The road will continue west and then north, intersecting forest road 165 which will take you west to Melendrez Pass. A male alpine goat that had been terrorizing hikers in the Mt. Arizona Game and Fish Dept. First street will take you north into the Temporal Canyon area. Other Pertinent Climate Information Walk the trails and look for fresh bear sign and trails. Turn east past the Old Nogales Highway to Santa Rita Road (F.S. Wrightson. Be aware that SRER is leased by the University of Arizona for research purposes and research personnel are frequently in the field. From the South: State Hwy 82, Temporal Canyon Rd, Forest Rd 143, Hog Canyon Rd, Adobe Canyon Rd, Big Casablanca Canyon Rd, Patagonia Lake Rd. PO Box 5188 Tucson, AZ 85703 If you locate a group of javelina before the season, and the weather remains the same, there is a high probability they will be in the same place on opening day. Mearn’s Quail can be found in all canyon systems on the southeast side of the Santa Rita Mountains from Fish Canyon to Temporal canyon. Then drive west to Forest Land and hunt the river bottom. Also search canyon bottoms for fresh bear tracks and scat. There are a few small pieces of private property in the area so keep an eye out for those. There is an alternative for the archer. Major Cities and Towns in or Near Game Management Unit and Nearest Gas, Food, and Lodging Take the Fish Canyon road number 163 and follow it past Kentucky camp. Josephine Canyon is another area to explore when looking for bears. A male alpine goat that had been harassing hikers in the Mt. Once you get into the area there is good foot trail access into bear country. Both trails are accessed from the Madera Canyon trailhead. The area is well signed, using a Forest Service or Topo map to navigate should be easy. Game and Fish is urging residents and visitors to stay "bear aware" and make sure all food and trash is secure. The oldest bear recorded in northwest Montana was 35 years old. Mount Wrightson and Mount Hopkins were named in their honor. Respect landowner’s rights and use the alternative access through Gardner Canyon. To reach the trailhead, take exit 63 off of I-19 south of Tucson, and turn east toward Continental. 12/08/17 Mt Wrightson - Canceled Kvasnica A 10.80 4,054 12/07/17 La Milagrosa/Aqua Caliente Canyon Loop€- Cancelled Muzzy B 7.00 1,550 12/05/17 Pichaco Peak Andersen B 4.00 1,400 Photos 12/02/17 Wild Burro to Alamo Spring Spur to Bench on Ridgeline Kvasnica B 6.00 1,000 Photos Grizzlies are not very social. Pick up a U.S. Forest Service map to help you find the roads; they are invaluable. is warning residents in Vail and visitors to Mt. Madera Canyon: Fantastic Hike to the Peak of Mt. Santa Rita Experimental Range and Wildlife Area. It's a great way to start this 13.5 mile scenic hike. The first thing that'll come to mind when you catch your first glimpse of Mount Wrightson is, HOLY MOLY! Also, Josephine and Bond Canyons are good but be prepared for steep country. Supervisor's Office 300 W. Congress St. Tucson, AZ 85701 (520) 388-8300. When hunting around stock tanks be cognizant of any livestock in the area. The monsoon season brings intense electrical storms and causes flash flooding. If you hike in at least 1/2 mile away from the road you will get away from most hunters. News Tips: 520-624-2477 Another area to consider is Temporal Canyon. If you want to get away from the majority of the hunters, try the higher elevations and steeper slopes. Wrightson was formerly named Mount Baldy. The area can be accessed from Highway 83. Wrightson of several bear sightings in the area. There are some very good mature bucks in this area. road 165 into Melendrez Pass and hunt down into Sawmill. In January 2018, we visited Mount Wrightson Wilderness—designated in 1985 with 25,260-acres of soaring peaks, deep canyons, grasslands and dozens of trails. Scouting is important because javelina do not move far from a well-established home range. Beginning at I-19 and Grand Avenue in Nogales; northeast on Grand Avenue (U.S. Hwy. The 72 road goes past the trailhead at the Arizona trail parking lot and accesses Temporal Gulch or the Mansfield canyon area via the 72A road. Wrightson, a 9,456-foot peak in the Santa Rita Mountains within the Coronado National Forest, in southern Arizona. His docile female It’s more work but the birds are there and the country is beautiful. It is located in Madera Canyon, part of the Santa Rita mountains and the Coronado National Forest, and it's a popular excursion approximately 30-minutes south of Tucson. Area: The Santa Rita Experimental Range (SRER) is a good place to look for mule deer. Turn east at the Elephant Head road and take the Mount Hopkins road to the south. Unit 34A has Sonoran desert, Arizona chaparral, desert grassland, pine forest, and several riparian corridors. As seen in the Wrightson Wilderness map, several trails ascend Mt Wrightson. Follow this road to the west to Forest Road 795. Make sure to check the hunt regulations as the season starts later for Mearns quail than the desert quail, and the bag and possession limits are different. They prefer to use cleared trails until the pads become callused. Summit. 6 miles). If confronted, Game and Fish says to wave your arms and shout to deter the bear. Access is through Gardner Canyon. Significant mountain peaks and high points Alabama Area: The best numbers are in the southern end of the mountains but you can also expect a lot of hunters. So, as you can see, IMHO, Mt Wrightson IS THE BEST HIKE IN ARIZONA. Douglas Ranger District 1192 West Saddleview Rd. Contact Information. Overview: Remember to pick up a copy of the Dove Hunting Regulations before you go and a Migratory Bird Stamp is required. road 184. May be dumpster diving. Upper Fort and upper Hog Canyon areas are favorites of many hunters. At 9,456 feet, Mount Wrightson is the tallest peak in the vicinity of Tucson Arizona. 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